Category: Football Africa

Nigeria draw with Benin to qualify for 2025 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria draw with Benin to qualify for 2025 AFCON

Nigeria has qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. They confirmed their spot by drawing 1-1 against Benin Republic at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria’s qualification was confirmed earlier in the day after Libya defeated Rwanda 1-0. The Super Eagles aimed to avoid losing to Benin again, especially after their earlier 2-1 loss during a World Cup qualifier in June.

Benin took the lead in the first half with a goal from Mohammed Tijjani, who scored past Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. For most of the match, it looked like Benin would win again.

However, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen equalized with just seven minutes left. He scored with a header from a cross by substitute Moses Simon.

Now, the Benin Republic must earn one point against Libya in Tripoli on Tuesday to secure their place in Morocco. Libya’s 84th-minute goal from Saad Mohamed improved their chances of qualifying and confirmed Nigeria’s place in the tournament.

Nigeria, a three-time African champion, will make its 21st appearance at AFCON, from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Lesotho beat CAR as Gabon qualify for Morocco 2025 AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Lesotho beat CAR as Gabon qualify for Morocco 2025 AFCON

Lesotho secured a 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, aiding Gabon’s qualification for next year’s tournament in Morocco.

The tie played at the Free State Toyota Stadium, was decided by a goal from Neo Mokhachane in the 51st minute. Morocco leads Group B with a perfect record, followed by Gabon with seven points.

Lesotho’s win positions them third, while CAR remains at the bottom with three points. Gabon is guaranteed a top-two finish, as Lesotho cannot surpass them, even with one match remaining.

Although Lesotho could finish level on points with Gabon, they would lose out on the head-to-head rule. Both teams faced challenges in creating clear scoring opportunities, with Lesotho’s defence successfully neutralizing CAR’s attacks. Louis Mafouta nearly equalized for CAR, hitting the post in the 73rd minute.

Overall, Lesotho’s victory elevates them to third in the group, but their chances of qualification have ended, leaving CAR at the bottom.

Uganda Cranes and Bafana Bafana qualify for AFCON 2025 tournament
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Uganda Cranes and Bafana Bafana book AFCON 2025 tournament spots

The Uganda Cranes and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are the latest nations to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), joining 22 other teams in the 35th edition of the tournament.

Their qualification was confirmed after South Sudan defeated Congo 3-2 in Juba on Thursday. This result means that Congo cannot catch up with Uganda or South Africa, which currently have 10 and 8 points, respectively.

The upcoming match between Uganda and South Africa will be important for pride and for determining who finishes first in Group K.

Meanwhile, Uganda will be playing in their eighth AFCON tournament. They have appeared in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976, 1978, 2017, and 2019. Their best performance was in 1978 when they finished as runners-up in Kumasi, Ghana.

Other teams that have already qualified include holders Ivory Coast, host Morocco, former champions Algeria, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Cameroon, Angola, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivory Coast qualify after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils

Ivory Coast has qualified after Chad and Sierra Leone shared spoils 1-1 in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 match day five qualifier at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé on Wednesday.

The Leone Stars scored a stunner through Abu Dumbuya in the 29th, but the host responded with a penalty 34th kick, which Georgian-based midfielder Mahamat Thiaw scored.

In a closely contested match, both teams struggled to secure three points, leaving Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes uncertain.

Group G results confirm that defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will advance to next year’s competition in Morocco, as Sierra Leone cannot catch up. Côte d’Ivoire leads with nine points, while Sierra Leone trails by four with one match remaining.

Chad secured their third draw in the qualifying campaign, leaving the Leone Stars in third place with five points, while Chad sits at the bottom with three points. Sierra Leone’s qualification chances hinge on the remaining group fixtures.

Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea is one of the latest countries to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, but it did not have to play any matches to do so, as the penultimate round of qualifiers began on Wednesday.

Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon will compete alongside Angola, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal in the finals.

Nine more matches on Thursday will further determine qualification, with Nigeria, Sudan, and Tunisia likely to secure their spots in Morocco.

Mo Sangare's late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo
by Football Sierra Leone

Mo Sangare’s late penalty helps Liberia beat Togo

On Wednesday, Liberia defeated Togo 1-0 to move to third, three points behind second-place Equatorial Guinea in Group E in the race to Morocco at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

The Lone Star’s first victory at home since 2019 after a late penalty from Mo Sangare secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Liberia.

The home side achieved their first win of the campaign, much to the delight of home fans. This victory brought Liberia to third in the group with four points, while Togo fell to the bottom with two points.

Both teams struggled to create clear chances, with Togo applying early pressure but unable to penetrate Liberia’s resilient defence. Liberian goalkeeper consistently thwarted Togo’s Kodjo Laba and Kévin Denkey.

The turning point came in the 83rd minute when Togo’s captain, Djené Dakonam, handled the ball in the penalty area. Sangare confidently converted the penalty, giving Liberia the lead.

In the closing minutes, Togo searched for an equalizer, but Denkey’s shot was saved, and Laba missed another chance high and wide. With this win, Liberia boosted their morale under interim coach Thomas Kojo, while Togo’s hopes of qualification ended as they sit five points behind second-placed Equatorial Guinea.